Scholastic Book Clubs Fall Order

On Monday, I will be sending home the catalogues for our Scholastic Book Clubs fall order.  If you are interested, this is a great opportunity to get good quality, inexpensive books for your home reading library.  If you can't wait until Monday, you can go to Scholastic's website to view all of their catalogues and place orders using our classroom code:  HBWPH.  Please place orders online or return order forms to me (with a check or money order) by Monday, November 26th.  And FYI, when you buy books through Scholastic, we earn free books for our classroom library, so it's a double-whammie of literary goodness :)

Curriculum Night

Last night, DDES hosted a Curriculum Night for our families.  Since many of you were unable to attend, we thought we'd post the Power Point we shared with parents here.  Please take a few minutes to look through it to learn about what your child will learn this year, the changes taking place with the new curriculum, and the expectations we have for your child this year.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email and I'll be glad to talk to you about it.

Authors Among Us!

If you're a fan of Captain Underpants (like me!), then tomorrow, August 30th, is your lucky day.  The author of this hilarious series (and many other fabulous books), Dav Pilkey, will be having a signing at Quail Ridge Books tomorrow, August 30th, at 4:30.  This is a FABULOUS opportunity to cultivate a love of reading and writing with your child.  The chance to hear an author speak about his/her books and characters is not to be absolutely magical.  There is no cost for admission, but usually they ask you to buy one of the author's books at their store to participate in the signing.  Follow the link or call the store for the specific details.  I hope to make it, but may not be able make it myself.  If you do go, please get a picture with the author and we will post it here :)

Welcome to 2nd Grade!

Today was a fun and busy day.  Mostly, we took care of business.  We collected out parents' homework packets (please send those in ASAP if you haven't already) and all of the supplies you sent in (Thank you!).  Then we went over SOAR Rules for the hallway, bathroom, cafeteria, and playground.  We toured the classroom and learned many of the procedures that we need to all work together and share one space.  We also practiced our fire drill procedures.  After all of that, we did have some time for recess and some preassessments in writing and math. 

Tomorrow you can expect that we will get down business as learners and dive in to our academics.  We will begin to learn about The Daily 5 (our new literacy structure this year), begin to learn about the writing process (which we will use heavily in 2nd grade), explore the base-10 number system, and learn ways to be a good citizen in our classroom.

Look for updates to be added to the website soon, including our class schedule and specials schedule.  Homework and agendas will begin next week (after Labor Day).  I you haven't gotten an agenda yet, it can be bought from the PTA for $5.  If your family is able, please consider donating an agenda for a family in 2nd grade.

I you have any questions, please email me at ksteel-keelor@wcpss.net.  Have a great evening and I'll see you tomorrow :)

End of the Year Celebration

It's been fun, but now we're done!  The end of the year is (almost) upon us.  To celebrate all that the children have accomplished, we will be having a little celebration this Thursday afternoon.  We have had lots of parents volunteer to bring or send things in.  So far we will be having pizza, drinks, cupcakes, cookies, chips, and other snacks.  Honestly, at this point, we do not need any more food - we might burst as it is!  We will also be having some wonderful surprises courtesy is Mrs. Austin.  It should be a fun afternoon.  We'll end the 2011-2012 school year in grand style.  Thank you all very much!